The Y Word

[gio747]

That really is a superb post

I’ve no doubt a lot of Jewish Tottenham fans feel like this but it’s pretty obvious the majority of all other jewish people find it awkward to outright offensive.

 

[absolute bobbins]

I’ve no doubt a lot of Jewish Tottenham fans feel like this but it’s pretty obvious the majority of all other jewish people find it awkward to outright offensive.

Obvious to whom? I don’t remember it being bought up at our media conspiracy meeting or any of the banking cabal brunches.

 

[Moonie]

Don’t think this has been posted yet, interesting piece from an Orthodox Rabbi from Israel.

Opinion: I’m a Jewish football fan and I have never been prouder to support Spurs

We’ve been calling ourselves ‘Yids’ for centuries. It’s not the word that’s offensive, it’s the context in which it’s used

www.independent.co.uk

 

[Spurslove]

(This from the Club in the Wolves match-day guide.....) WhY Word:- Time to think about it. As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and can now say with a degree of confidence that fans are back in stadiums for good, we wanted to update you on the Club’s review of the use of the Y-word among some of our fanbase. Supporter focus groups were concluded in the summer of 2020, however, we made the decision to delay the release of our findings while continued uncertainty around fan attendance at matches remained. We are living in times of heightened awareness of cultural appropriation and sensitivities. It is therefore crucial to the values of our Club and our fans that we are even more mindful of the controversial nature of this term. We have always recognised that this is a complex issue and the appropriateness of its use should regularly be assessed. Towards the end of 2019 we commenced the first stage of the consultation with fans and received more than 23,000 responses, with 94% acknowledging the Y-word can be considered a racist term against a Jewish person. The results of this can be viewed here. Our supporters' use of the Y-word was initially taken as a positive step to deflect antisemitic abuse that they were subjected to at matches more than 40 years ago from opposition fans, who faced no sanctions for their actions. The term continues to be used up to the present day by some of our supporters. We have always maintained that our fans have never used it with any deliberate attempt to offend. Indeed, among the reasons some fans choose to continue to chant the term now is to show unity and support for the team, as well as each other, as a defence mechanism against antisemitic abuse that still exists and also as a way to identify as a Spurs fan. Outside of a football setting, however, an overwhelming majority of our fans acknowledged in the first stage of our latest consultation that the Y-word can be considered as a racist term against a Jewish person and that they would therefore not use it in such a context. After a pause due to the pandemic, we undertook the second phase of the consultation in the form of virtual supporter focus groups. These were facilitated by an independent, experienced moderator and the groups comprised a cross section of fans in respect of both religion and age. Key findings have shown: Members of our fanbase feel uncomfortable with the Y-word’s continued use at matches Supporters who were prepared to defend their position on why they use the term expressed an openness to its use being reduced if it caused offence to fellow fans Supporters, especially those of a younger generation, are often unaware of the term’s meaning and its historical context when chanting it That now, more than ever, is the time to re-assess and re-consider its ongoing use MOVING FORWARD We pride ourselves on being an inclusive and progressive Club and are aware of the growing cultural sensitivities globally. We have already seen several sports entities and franchises make appropriate changes to nicknames and aspects of their identities in recognition of evolving sentiment. As a Club, we always strive to create a welcoming environment that embraces all our fans so that every one of our supporters can feel included in the matchday experience. It is clear the use of this term does not always make this possible, regardless of context and intention, and that there is a growing desire and acknowledgment from supporters that the Y-word should be used less or stopped being used altogether. We recognise how these members of our fanbase feel and we also believe it is time to move on from associating this term with our Club. The adoption of the Y-word by our supporters from the late 1970's was a positive response to the lack of action taken by others around this issue. An increasing number of our fans now wish to see positive change again with the reduction of its use, something we welcome and shall look to support. We acknowledge that any reassessment of the use of this term needs to be a collaborative effort between the Club and its fans. We shall be working to further outline the historical context of the term, to explain the offence it can cause and to embrace the times in which we now live to show why it can be considered inappropriate regardless of context. As such, we have launched our WhY Word online hub, with dedicated content appearing in home matchday programmes from this weekend’s match onwards, asking fans to re-assess their use of the term and provide the historical context as to why it can cause offence, particularly for the benefit of younger members of our fanbase who, our research suggests, are less aware of the word’s origins. The Club already refrains from engaging with any social media handle or bio that contains the Y-word and we do not permit it being printed on shirts in any official retail outlets or used in any official club context. We are grateful for the efforts and attention our supporters have given to this matter.

'...regardless of context and intention...' I give up.

 

[CoopsieDeadpool]

Don’t think this has been posted yet, interesting piece from an Orthodox Rabbi from Israel.

Opinion: I’m a Jewish football fan and I have never been prouder to support Spurs

We’ve been calling ourselves ‘Yids’ for centuries. It’s not the word that’s offensive, it’s the context in which it’s used

www.independent.co.uk

Nah, guy lives in Israel & couldn't possibly understand any of this YIDARMY stuff.

The world should listen to David Baddiel & stop this Yid chanting shit with immediate effect!

 

[CoopsieDeadpool]

​

(This from the Club in the Wolves match-day guide.....) WhY Word:- Time to think about it. As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and can now say with a degree of confidence that fans are back in stadiums for good, we wanted to update you on the Club’s review of the use of the Y-word among some of our fanbase. Supporter focus groups were concluded in the summer of 2020, however, we made the decision to delay the release of our findings while continued uncertainty around fan attendance at matches remained. We are living in times of heightened awareness of cultural appropriation and sensitivities. It is therefore crucial to the values of our Club and our fans that we are even more mindful of the controversial nature of this term. We have always recognised that this is a complex issue and the appropriateness of its use should regularly be assessed. Towards the end of 2019 we commenced the first stage of the consultation with fans and received more than 23,000 responses, with 94% acknowledging the Y-word can be considered a racist term against a Jewish person. The results of this can be viewed here. Our supporters' use of the Y-word was initially taken as a positive step to deflect antisemitic abuse that they were subjected to at matches more than 40 years ago from opposition fans, who faced no sanctions for their actions. The term continues to be used up to the present day by some of our supporters. We have always maintained that our fans have never used it with any deliberate attempt to offend. Indeed, among the reasons some fans choose to continue to chant the term now is to show unity and support for the team, as well as each other, as a defence mechanism against antisemitic abuse that still exists and also as a way to identify as a Spurs fan. Outside of a football setting, however, an overwhelming majority of our fans acknowledged in the first stage of our latest consultation that the Y-word can be considered as a racist term against a Jewish person and that they would therefore not use it in such a context. After a pause due to the pandemic, we undertook the second phase of the consultation in the form of virtual supporter focus groups. These were facilitated by an independent, experienced moderator and the groups comprised a cross section of fans in respect of both religion and age. Key findings have shown: Members of our fanbase feel uncomfortable with the Y-word’s continued use at matches Supporters who were prepared to defend their position on why they use the term expressed an openness to its use being reduced if it caused offence to fellow fans Supporters, especially those of a younger generation, are often unaware of the term’s meaning and its historical context when chanting it That now, more than ever, is the time to re-assess and re-consider its ongoing use MOVING FORWARD We pride ourselves on being an inclusive and progressive Club and are aware of the growing cultural sensitivities globally. We have already seen several sports entities and franchises make appropriate changes to nicknames and aspects of their identities in recognition of evolving sentiment. As a Club, we always strive to create a welcoming environment that embraces all our fans so that every one of our supporters can feel included in the matchday experience. It is clear the use of this term does not always make this possible, regardless of context and intention, and that there is a growing desire and acknowledgment from supporters that the Y-word should be used less or stopped being used altogether. We recognise how these members of our fanbase feel and we also believe it is time to move on from associating this term with our Club. The adoption of the Y-word by our supporters from the late 1970's was a positive response to the lack of action taken by others around this issue. An increasing number of our fans now wish to see positive change again with the reduction of its use, something we welcome and shall look to support. We acknowledge that any reassessment of the use of this term needs to be a collaborative effort between the Club and its fans. We shall be working to further outline the historical context of the term, to explain the offence it can cause and to embrace the times in which we now live to show why it can be considered inappropriate regardless of context. As such, we have launched our WhY Word online hub, with dedicated content appearing in home matchday programmes from this weekend’s match onwards, asking fans to re-assess their use of the term and provide the historical context as to why it can cause offence, particularly for the benefit of younger members of our fanbase who, our research suggests, are less aware of the word’s origins. The Club already refrains from engaging with any social media handle or bio that contains the Y-word and we do not permit it being printed on shirts in any official retail outlets or used in any official club context. We are grateful for the efforts and attention our supporters have given to this matter.

'...regardless of context and intention...' I give up.

Why do you give up?

it doesn't really say anything other than "yeah someone somewhere has said they're not overly happy with the Y Word, we've put some stuff on our website if you wanna read up on it".

They know they can't stop it. Yid fucking army!!

 

[Spurslove]

Why do you give up?

it doesn't really say anything other than "yeah someone somewhere has said they're not overly happy with the Y Word, we've put some stuff on our website if you wanna read up on it".

They know they can't stop it. Yid fucking army!!

Cheers. No, I didn't mean I'll literally give up ever using that term, I just give up with the idea that the club will ever accept or understand why we use it. By dismissing any counter arguments surrounding 'context' or 'intention' they've closed their ears for ever.

I didn't make myself clear first time round, my bad.

YID ARMY!!!! ?‍

.

 

[CoopsieDeadpool]

Cheers. No, I didn't mean I'll literally give up ever using that term, I just give up with the idea that the club will ever accept or understand why we use it. By dismissing any counter arguments surrounding 'context' or 'intention' they've closed their ears for ever.

I didn't make myself clear first time round, my bad.

YID ARMY!!!! ?‍

.

All they've done is say a load of words that really say they're not doing anything because they know they can't do anything.

Statements such as "ask supporters to re-assess their use of the term and provide the historical context as to why it can cause offence"

It's just PR speak, because they simply have to know that there's going to be a counter of "then provide the historical context as to why we chant it".

It's all just noise mate. Sing loud, sing fucking proud!

YIDARMY

 

[M.I.B.]

I’ve no doubt a lot of Jewish Tottenham fans feel like this but it’s pretty obvious the majority of all other jewish people find it awkward to outright offensive.

Maybe. But that is still a superb post, which is what I made comment on.

 

[ralphs bald spot]

Cheers. No, I didn't mean I'll literally give up ever using that term, I just give up with the idea that the club will ever accept or understand why we use it. By dismissing any counter arguments surrounding 'context' or 'intention' they've closed their ears for ever.

I didn't make myself clear first time round, my bad.

YID ARMY!!!! ?‍

.

its had its day - it means nothing no more and if it offends which it does it should stop its that simple - football has changed since the seventies and 80's when it started crowds were different then - time to move on there are no counter arguments of any credence

 

[ralvy]

​

(This from the Club in the Wolves match-day guide.....) WhY Word:- Time to think about it. As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and can now say with a degree of confidence that fans are back in stadiums for good, we wanted to update you on the Club’s review of the use of the Y-word among some of our fanbase. Supporter focus groups were concluded in the summer of 2020, however, we made the decision to delay the release of our findings while continued uncertainty around fan attendance at matches remained. We are living in times of heightened awareness of cultural appropriation and sensitivities. It is therefore crucial to the values of our Club and our fans that we are even more mindful of the controversial nature of this term. We have always recognised that this is a complex issue and the appropriateness of its use should regularly be assessed. Towards the end of 2019 we commenced the first stage of the consultation with fans and received more than 23,000 responses, with 94% acknowledging the Y-word can be considered a racist term against a Jewish person. The results of this can be viewed here. Our supporters' use of the Y-word was initially taken as a positive step to deflect antisemitic abuse that they were subjected to at matches more than 40 years ago from opposition fans, who faced no sanctions for their actions. The term continues to be used up to the present day by some of our supporters. We have always maintained that our fans have never used it with any deliberate attempt to offend. Indeed, among the reasons some fans choose to continue to chant the term now is to show unity and support for the team, as well as each other, as a defence mechanism against antisemitic abuse that still exists and also as a way to identify as a Spurs fan. Outside of a football setting, however, an overwhelming majority of our fans acknowledged in the first stage of our latest consultation that the Y-word can be considered as a racist term against a Jewish person and that they would therefore not use it in such a context. After a pause due to the pandemic, we undertook the second phase of the consultation in the form of virtual supporter focus groups. These were facilitated by an independent, experienced moderator and the groups comprised a cross section of fans in respect of both religion and age. Key findings have shown: Members of our fanbase feel uncomfortable with the Y-word’s continued use at matches Supporters who were prepared to defend their position on why they use the term expressed an openness to its use being reduced if it caused offence to fellow fans Supporters, especially those of a younger generation, are often unaware of the term’s meaning and its historical context when chanting it That now, more than ever, is the time to re-assess and re-consider its ongoing use MOVING FORWARD We pride ourselves on being an inclusive and progressive Club and are aware of the growing cultural sensitivities globally. We have already seen several sports entities and franchises make appropriate changes to nicknames and aspects of their identities in recognition of evolving sentiment. As a Club, we always strive to create a welcoming environment that embraces all our fans so that every one of our supporters can feel included in the matchday experience. It is clear the use of this term does not always make this possible, regardless of context and intention, and that there is a growing desire and acknowledgment from supporters that the Y-word should be used less or stopped being used altogether. We recognise how these members of our fanbase feel and we also believe it is time to move on from associating this term with our Club. The adoption of the Y-word by our supporters from the late 1970's was a positive response to the lack of action taken by others around this issue. An increasing number of our fans now wish to see positive change again with the reduction of its use, something we welcome and shall look to support. We acknowledge that any reassessment of the use of this term needs to be a collaborative effort between the Club and its fans. We shall be working to further outline the historical context of the term, to explain the offence it can cause and to embrace the times in which we now live to show why it can be considered inappropriate regardless of context. As such, we have launched our WhY Word online hub, with dedicated content appearing in home matchday programmes from this weekend’s match onwards, asking fans to re-assess their use of the term and provide the historical context as to why it can cause offence, particularly for the benefit of younger members of our fanbase who, our research suggests, are less aware of the word’s origins. The Club already refrains from engaging with any social media handle or bio that contains the Y-word and we do not permit it being printed on shirts in any official retail outlets or used in any official club context. We are grateful for the efforts and attention our supporters have given to this matter.

'...regardless of context and intention...' I give up.

Enic should just fuck off already with all of this woke corporate BS, they may own the club right now but they don't own its history and fans.

 

[vicbob]

its had its day - it means nothing no more and if it offends which it does it should stop its that simple - football has changed since the seventies and 80's when it started crowds were different then - time to move on there are no counter arguments of any credence

Phew, glad you have sorted it then, thanks?

 

[absolute bobbins]

I find it funny that there are so many people feel so uneasy about being tacitly associated with Jews by chanting Yid?

They will claim they have Jewish Friends next.

 

[riggi]

I find it funny that there are so many people feel so uneasy about being tacitly associated with Jews by chanting Yid?

They will claim they have Jewish Friends next.

Im not anti Semitic, I love bagels.

 

[HodisGawd]

I don't understand why people are digging their heels in so much over this. It's not a big deal. People (including our some of own supporters) are offended. The club has asked us to stop. The chant is rubbish and outdated. Let's just stop. Whyever not? No-one here has given any reason why it should continue except "I want to".

 

[Spurslove]

I don't understand why people are digging their heels in so much over this. It's not a big deal. People (including our some of own supporters) are offended. The club has asked us to stop. The chant is rubbish and outdated. Let's just stop. Whyever not? No-one here has given any reason why it should continue except "I want to".

If people want to sing it, it's their own free choice and nobody should tell them to stop. That's the end of that.

.

 

[HodisGawd]

If people want to sing it, it's their own free choice and nobody should tell them to stop. That's the end of that.

.

That's not the end of that. It's an offensive term that's potentially criminal. So it's definitely not the end of it. Why should people have to listen to it? They don't have to, literally, by law.

All it does is Mark our fanbase out as a bit twattish.

But no-one can answer this question: why dig your heels in?

 

[riggi]

A poster on TFC said that he and his son walked past some Leeds fans after our home game. They started singing “spurs are on their way to Belsen”. If you think that because you don’t hear it in a CCTV’d up stadium, it’s stoped then you are sadly mistaken.

 

[HodisGawd]

A poster on TFC said that he and his son walked past some Leeds fans after our home game. They started singing “spurs are on their way to Belsen”. If you think that because you don’t hear it in a CCTV’d up stadium, it’s stoped then you are sadly mistaken.

And they're going to do that regardless. But this has got nothing to do with Leeds fans, this is about us not being antisemitic towards our own fans.

 

[Blake Griffin]

And they're going to do that regardless. But this has got nothing to do with Leeds fans, this is about us not being antisemitic towards our own fans.

what about the jewish spurs fans who sing it, are they being anti-semitic towards themselves?